Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most iconic safari destinations in East Africa. Located in the western region of the country, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve spans nearly 1,978 square kilometers of diverse landscapes, ranging from open savannahs and crater lakes to lush wetlands and the Rwenzori Mountain backdrop.
Known for its tree-climbing lions, abundant wildlife, and over 600 bird species, the park offers one of the most authentic wildlife experiences in Africa, and what makes it even more special is its unique blend of biodiversity, culture, and community conservation, ensuring your visit supports both nature and the local people.
Attractions And Activities
- Wildlife and Biography
When you visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, you are stepping into one of Africa’s most diverse and wildlife-rich ecosystems. Covering 1,978 square kilometers, the park protects an extraordinary range of habitats, from open savannah grasslands to dense forests and shimmering crater lakes.
This incredible diversity supports:
Over 95 mammal species, including Africa’s iconic Big Five.
More than 600 bird species make it one of the best bird-watching destinations in East Africa.
Numerous reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic life are found in the Kazinga Channel.
Here’s what makes the wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park so special;
Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha
One of the park’s most famous attractions is the tree-climbing lions, found in the southern Ishasha sector. These rare lions rest on giant fig and acacia trees, a behavior seen only here and in Lake Manyara (Tanzania).
Visitors often spot them lazing on branches during game drives, offering unique photography opportunities you won’t find in most African parks.
A Bird Watcher’s Paradise
If you’re a bird lover, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a dream. It is home to over 600 bird species, including:
- Shoebill Stork – rare and prehistoric-looking.
- African Fish Eagle – often seen near the Kazinga Channel.
- Martial Eagle & African Skimmer – iconic raptors.
- Flamingos & Pelicans at the crater lakes.
- Numerous migratory birds during wet seasons.
This makes the park an Important Bird Area recognized by BirdLife International.
Primates in Kyambura And Maramagambo
Beyond big five game animals, the park also has primates, especially in forested areas like:
- Kyambura Gorge: Known as the “Valley of Apes,” home to a small population of chimpanzees, you can track on foot.
- Maramagambo Forest: Hosts black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and numerous bats in its caves.
This means you can combine a savannah safari with primate tracking in one park, something very few African destinations offer.
Hippos And Crocodiles Of Kazinga Channel
The Kazinga channel, a 40-kilometer waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward, is a hotspot for:
Huge pods of hippos—the park has one of Africa’s largest populations.
Nile crocodiles basking on the banks.
Buffaloes and elephants coming to drink.
A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel brings you close to this incredible wildlife spectacle, making it one of the park’s most unforgettable experiences.
2. Stunning Landscape Of Queen Elizabeth National Park
One of the reasons travelers love Queen Elizabeth National Park is its breathtaking and diverse landscapes. Located within the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, the park stretches from the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains to the savannah plains of the Ishasha sector. This rich geography makes Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, one of the most scenic safari destinations in East Africa.
Here’s what makes the landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park truly unique:
Kazinga Channel – The Beating Heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
At the center of Queen Elizabeth National Park lies the Kazinga channel, a 40-kilometer natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This channel is a wildlife magnet, attracting:
Huge pods of hippos—the largest population in Uganda.
Nile crocodiles basking on the shores.
Elephants, buffalo, and antelopes that come to drink.
Over 50 species of water birds, including African skimmers, pelicans, and kingfishers.
A Kazinga Channel boat cruise is one of the best ways to experience the aquatic beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering close-up views of wildlife and panoramic scenery.
Katwe Explosion Crater Lakes – Volcanic Wonders
Scattered across Queen Elizabeth National Park are over 10 ancient volcanic craters that have transformed into serene crater lakes. Highlights include:
Lake Katwe: A historical site where local communities still mine salt using traditional methods.
Nyamunuka Crater: Known for its sulfurous waters, frequented by animals for medicinal benefits.
Explosion Crater Drive: A scenic route with spectacular views of the rift valley, Lake George, and the Rwenzori Mountains.
These crater lakes not only enrich the scenery but also reveal the volcanic history of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.
Kyambura Gorge – The Valley of Apes
Hidden within the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kyambura gorge is a lush tropical forest canyon. This deep gorge is home to:
Wild chimpanzees
Black-and-white colobus monkeys
Red-tailed monkeys
Rare forest birds
A guided trek here feels like entering another world, offering a completely different habitat within Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.
Mweya Peninsula – Scenic Safari Hub
The Mweya peninsula, situated between the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, is the primary safari hub of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. It offers:
Stunning viewpoints of lakes, savannah, and mountains.
Frequent sightings of warthogs, mongooses, and monitor lizards.
Easy access to boat cruises and game drives.
Mweya is the perfect base for exploring the central part of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Maramagambo Forest – Tropical Beauty
The Maramagambo Forest, another gem of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offers a tranquil nature walk through:
Giant fig trees and dense vegetation.
Bat caves are home to thousands of bats and sometimes pythons.
Rare birds such as the Rwenzori Turaco and Forest Flycatcher.
This forest adds a tropical twist to your safari experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Ishasha Plains – Remote Wilderness
The southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its remote, untouched wilderness. Here you’ll find:
The famous tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees.
Large herds of topis, Uganda kobs, and buffaloes.
Fewer crowds, making it ideal for an off-the-beaten-path safari.
Why the Geography of Queen Elizabeth National Park Is Special
Few safari destinations in Africa combine so many ecosystems in one park. At Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can explore:
- Open savannah plains for classic safaris
- Lakes and rivers for boat cruises
- Volcanic craters with cultural history
- Lush rainforests for primate tracking
- Remote wilderness for exclusive adventures
Local People
Bunyaruguru people live on the Kichwamba Escarpment to the southeast of QENP. The area north of the park is home to Basongora pastoralists, while Bakonzo farmers cultivate the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountain beyond.
Daytime temperatures average 18-280C. Nights can be cool.
Accessibility
Road
Two routes run from Kampala to Mweya, the primary tourism hub in QENP. The most scenic route passes through Fort Portal (410km), and offers detours to Kibale, Semliki, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The alternative (420km) runs through Mbarara and Bushenyi and passes Lake Mburo National Park.
QENP’s southerly Ishasha sector is directly on the main route to/from Buhoma, the main mountain gorilla tracking trailhead in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which lies 62km south.
Air
Chartered flights can be arranged for Kasese, Mweya, and Ishasha.
An abundance of magnificent vistas includes the jagged backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, rolling hills pocked with extinct volcanic craters, and an open rift valley
